This bill amends current law regarding the approval process for low- and moderate-income housing construction. It establishes a procedure for applicants to submit a single comprehensive permit application instead of separate applications to local boards. The bill also clarifies the review process for comprehensive permit applications and requires public hearings for all minor land developments or subdivisions. The bill includes provisions for the expiration of comprehensive permits, limitations on dwelling units, and appeals to the state housing appeals board.

Additionally, the bill imposes a moratorium on the use of comprehensive permit applications by private for-profit developers and requires towns and cities to prepare a comprehensive plan housing element for low- and moderate-income housing. The bill also establishes a sunset provision for appeals to the state housing appeals board and allows multi-family rental units built under a comprehensive permit to be counted towards a municipality's low- or moderate-income housing inventory.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a process for appealing decisions of local review boards to the superior court and transfers pending matters before the state housing appeals board to the superior court. It also replaces certain provisions of the General Laws with new sections and amends the composition of the housing appeals board.